Ottawa – 4-H Canada, which has been operating youth leadership programs in Canada for over 100 years, has just wrapped up its 2019 Citizenship Congress. The program has been running since 1972 with the goal of educating delegates on Canada’s history and parliamentary system, and fostering skills related to civic engagement, governance, parliamentary procedure, citizenship, and politics. This year’s theme was “The Power of a Vote: Value of Civic Engagement”.
The Citizenship Congress took place at the Terry Fox Canadian Youth Centre in Ottawa, from April 30 to May 5. Delegates between the ages of 16 to 21 had the opportunity to participate in this year’s program, which featured various workshops as well as a final debate in the Senate of Canada Chamber. These activities allowed the participants to develop skills and experience in critical thinking, persuasion, and public speaking.
The Honourable Rob Black, Independent Senator for Ontario, joined the delegates at times over the course of their week in Ottawa and helped facilitate their debate on Saturday. Black, who was appointed to the Senate last year, has been involved in 4-H programs for most of his life. “4-H has been such an important part of my life and I partially credit it in getting me where I am today,” said Black. “I am glad to see so many bright young people interested in engaging with and learning about Canada’s democratic process.”
“4-H’s Learn To Do By Doing philosophy is what we have witnessed this week in our nation’s capital,” said David Hovell, Chair of the 4-H Canada Board of Directors. “4-H members engaging, learning and developing a deeper understanding of the privilege it is to be Canadian is the best illustration of our mission to empower youth to be responsible, caring and contributing leaders.”
Source : Ontario